Epitope reactivity

The method described here assumes certain things about the nature of the antigen and the antibody reagents to be used. First, the epitope reactive with the antibody must be accessible on the exterior of the cell. Some transmembrane molecules have multiple epitopes that are present on the intracellular domains of the molecule, and these would not be applicable using the method described. Second, the antibody must react with this epitope when the molecule... 

Tissue cross-reactivity studies, although burdensome, provide a rational in vitro assay to determine the range and intensity of distribution of potential epitopes reactive with a monoclonal antibody test article prior to its administration to humans. In addition, cross-reactivity studies provide a useful tool to identify animal species for safety assessment. The cross-reactivity profiles of different species can be compared to the profiles obtained in human tissues. The predictive value of the assay lies in incorporating the characteristics of the monoclonal antibody (isotype, subtype, and other molecular modifications) with the biological activity of the molecule itself, and the potential in vivo distribution of it. 

Zhang, Q., Noble, K., Mao, Y., et al. (2013) Rapid Screening for Potential Epitopes Reactive with a Polycolonal Antibody by Solution-Phase H/D Exchange Monitored by FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry. Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 24 (7), 1016-1025. 

A section of tissue known to contain epitopes reactive with the primary antibody should be stained alongside the test sections. The expected positive staining pattern will indicate that the method was carried out correctly. The section should have been prepared in exactly the same maimer as the test. 

Favre, R., Cermola, M., Nunes, C.P., Hermann, R., Muller, M. and Bazzicalupo, P. (1998) Immuno-cross-reactivity of CUT-1 and cuticlin epitopes between Ascaris lumbricoides, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Heterorhabditis. Journal of Structural Biology 123, 1-7. 

A special nonspecific sensor response might be due to the cross-reactivity of immobilized antibodies. Besides the analyte, an antibody can bind also other entities bearing a similar antigenic epitope, e.g. the detection of some pathogenic bacteria can be interfered by the binding of non-pathogenic bacteria with the same surface antigen. 

---